Getting a proper night’s sleep is vital for health and well being. Here is a list of tips for achieving better sleep:

1. Keep regular sleeping hours
2. Avoid stimulants such as coffee and alcohol before sleep
3. Maintain the bedroom for sleeping only
4. Keep the room dimly lit and lights off when sleeping
5. Do not exercise right before sleep
6. Do not eat a heavy meal before sleep
7. Turn the clock so it is not facing you
8. Open the window for fresh air
9. Plants in the bedroom are relaxing
10. Keep the bedroom clutter-free
11. Make the bedroom comfortable and pleasing to the eye
12. Use natural blankets
13. A bath before bed will promote sleep
14. Journal 5 things you are grateful for that happened during the day to fall asleep with a peaceful attitude

Spring Equinox – March 20th – the day when day and night are of equal length, light and dark; nature in perfect balance. A day to celebrate the return of longer days of sunshine and warmth.

Spring can also be so much more if we observe how nature changes with the seasons. Spring is a time of new beginnings, new growth, planting seeds, purification, and for clearing out the old. Following the rhythms of nature and developing harmony with the ways in which nature cares for itself, we can also create balance within our own lives.

Trees, plants, grasses and seeds that have laid still throughout the winter slowly emerge from their dormancy. Buds develop and grow into new leaves and flowers, plants and grasses emerge through the ground from their resting roots, and seeds sprout; all from the extended sunlight, warmth, rains, and fall’s nourishment. Birds and animals are more active, returning to their daily routines. Try to take some time on the next spring-like day to notice all the new growth that nature provides us. Smell the freshness in the air. Listen to the song birds that have returned. Nature provides us with the hope and promise of new beginnings and growth after winter.

Winter was a time of rest, a time to replenish energy for the start of the “growing” season – Spring. Now that spring is just about upon us, it is time to listen to nature and utilize this energy, this potential for new growth. Seize this energy and blossom!

Spring cleaning is actually an old ritual that was performed to remove any negativity from the previous year and to prepare the home to allow for the new to come in. Spring cleaning can be thought of on many levels, from physically cleaning your home to purifying your body, mind and spirit. We all hold onto “stuff” – useless, outdated or worn-out items we’ve collected over the years, maybe a couple extra pounds, and chances are; old emotions, hurts and pains. Spring is a great time to release ourselves from the past. Change allows us to grow. We all need to grow and develop, to explore possibilities. Living with the past keeps us in the past, missing the present – missing what we are now, what we can be. Breaking free from the past allows us room for the present – be it closet, attic or emotional space. Once we release ourselves from the past, the present is free to enter into our lives. We are free to continue on with our journey, to experience life fully as it is meant to be. Open the windows, let the fresh air in. Try not to look upon the cleaning as a chore but as a chance to let “the new” into your life.

Spring is also a good time to cleanse our bodies after the sluggish winter. Our energy levels are high, and fresh foods and herbs are more available. A rest from the heavier, warming foods of winter will work wonders to rejuvenate and remove toxins from the body. Eating only fresh fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas, lots of water and steamed or raw vegetables for several days will start you on your way to better health and nutrition. There are many methods of cleansing diets and two books that provide a wealth of information are “Staying Healthy with the Seasons” by Elson Haas and “The Ancient Cookfire” by Carrie L’Esperance. Several useful and abundant herbs for spring cleansing include: dandelion root and leaves, stinging nettle, chicory, parsley and peppermint. A brief overview of these spring herbs will get you started. Dandelion greens are high in vitamin A and can be used in salads or as a tea. Dandelion roots can be made into a bitter tea (don’t sweeten it, the bitterness is how it works – you’ll get use to it) as an excellent tonic for the liver and blood purifier. Dandelion roots are very high in vitamins and minerals. [Read a complete article on dandelion] Nettle is high in chlorophyll to provide energy and acts as a very good blood builder. Chicory and parsley have some of the same properties as the dandelion greens. A strong peppermint tea freshens the breath and body odors as well as relieves headaches. During a cleansing diet, the toxins you have stored in your body are released back into your blood stream to be released. It is vital to consume lots of water, with lemon is ideal, and get fresh air to flush these toxins out of your system.

Plant your “seeds”. What are your goals, dreams, aspirations? What do you want to harvest?

Start your groundwork now, the lazy days of summer will be here before you know!

Health Benefits of Seaweeds

Seaweeds or sea vegetables are some of the most nutrient-rich foods. This is because they are constantly bathed in the mineral-rich waters of the sea. They contain high amounts of iodine, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and some are very high in protein. Seaweeds contain 10 to 20 times more minerals than land-grown plants do. Seaweeds are classified by colors: reds, browns, greens, blue-greens and yellow-greens. Because of variations in pigmentation, light exposure, water depth and temperature, and environment, the nutritive values vary.

Seaweeds offer many health benefits including increased metabolism, purification of the blood, help to break down fats, and improved joint flexibility. They also strengthen the kidneys and are beneficial for healthy hair and skin. Seaweeds are antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and alkalinizing. Seaweeds remove radiation residue from the body, cleanse the lymphatic system, alleviate liver stagnancy, are beneficial to the thyroid and rejuvenate the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. They lower cholesterol and reduce fat in the blood.

“According to ancient Chinese texts, “there is no swelling that is not relieved by seaweed.”" So, they can be used to treat swellings, lumps, goiter, swollen lymph glands, edema, chronic cough, skin diseases and tumors.

Proper thyroid functioning

Seaweeds are very high in iodine. We all require iodine in our diets to promote healthy thyroid functioning. The thyroid is responsible for the body’s metabolism. Inadequate dietary iodine can result in the symptoms of chronic hypothyroidism. According to Endocineweb.com, symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Coarse, dry hair
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Hair loss
• Cold intolerance (you can’t tolerate cold temperatures like those around you)
• Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
• Constipation
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Decreased libido

Other Benefits of Seaweeds

Seaweeds contain alginic acid, a compound that binds in the body with heavy metals, environmental toxins and other chemicals within the digestive tract and carries them out of the body through elimination.

Types of Common Seaweeds

Agar

Agar is rich in calcium, iron and phosphorus. Typically it is used in powder form as a substitute for gelatin in vegan recipes.

Arame

Arame is rich in iodine, iron and calcium. It is beneficial to the spleen, stomach and pancreas. It is excellent for relieving high blood pressure.

Dulse

Dulse contains high amounts of iodine and is rich in manganese, iron, beta-carotene and vitamin E. The heart and spleen benefit from ingesting dulse.

Hijiki

Hijiki contains high amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamins B1, B2, and C. It strengthens the intestines and enhances digestion and intake of nutrients.

Kelp

Kelp is typically used more as a seasoning. Kelp powder or granules is an excellent source of a high-mineral replacement for salt and is relatively lower in sodium over regular salt. Kelp is very rich in iodine, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B2 and C. Brown kelp (Laminaria) has the highest concentration of iodine out of all all the plants. Kelp acts as an anti-coagulant, fungicide, antibacterial, antibiotic, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, diuretic, emollient, nutritive and expectorant. It can be used to help treat enlarged lymph nodes or tumors. Kelp increases metabolism and can be used in weight loss. Kelp can be used to treat high blood pressure, arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes, heart pain, blood clots and anemia. It increases depth of breath and relieves coughing and asthma. Kelp is also effective in treating fungal and candida yeast overgrowths.

Kombu

Kombu can grow up to 1,500 feet long. It is high in calcium, iron, potassium, sodium and glutamic acid. The kidneys and reproductive system benefits for kombu. Cooking beans with a strip of kombu makes them more digestible and reduces their production of digestive gas. Kombu has the same healing properties as kelp.

Nori

Nori is sold in thin sheets and is the seaweed that sushi is made from. Nori is very high in protein (up to 48% dry weight), beta-carotene and minerals. It stimulates circulation, decreases cholesterol, aids digestion and provides energy.

Wakame

Wakame is high in calcium, protein, niacin and thiamine. It helps support the liver, nervous system and mental clarity.

Mountain Rose Herbs is a great supplier of organic seaweeds.

Elderberry, typically European or black elder (Sambucus nigra) has been receiving widespread publicity for its role in reducing flu symptoms, soothing sore throats and coughs as well as boosting the immune system. Numerous scientific studies on the effectiveness of elderberry have been conducted.

Following is an overview of studies on elderberry from Blackelderberry.info

• 2009 – (Catchpole) During an in-vitro study carried out in London by Retroscreen Virology in October 2009, black elderberry extract was found to be at least 68.37% effective against the H1N1 strain otherwise known as Swine Flu Pandemic strain.
• Black Elderberry has a more potent antiviral effect than Echinacea
• Black elderberry extract has been found to be effective against the H5N1 strain of Avian Flu  (Zakay-Rones et al 1995)
• Black elderberry extract contains a unique compound called Antivirin® that can help protect healthy cells and inactivate  infectious viruses
• When given to patients, scientists have found the black elderberry extract, has the ability to ward off flu infections quickly  (Zakay-Rones 2004)
• Black Elderberries are rich in anthocyanins which are a type of flavonoid –  anthocyanins are antioxidants that may protect cells from free radicals and support your body’s immune system.
• Black Elderberries have almost 5 times as many anthocyanins as Blueberries and twice the overall antioxidant capability of cranberries

Making your own elderberry syrup is an easy and inexpensive way to create your own cough remedy. One thing to keep in mind when making herbal medicines is to use the best quality herbs possible. The quality of your medicine will be determined by what goes into the making of it. Mountain Rose Herbs offers the highest quality organic, fair-trade elderberries.

Elderberry Syrup

½ cup dried whole  elderberries
3 cups of filtered water
1 cup of honey (local is best)

Place the berries in a saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Crush the berries. Strain liquid into a bowl. Stir in honey. Bottle and refrigerate. Will keep several months.

For coughs, colds and flu take 1 teaspoon every 2-3 hours. This also makes a delicious syrup for pancakes, ice cream or mixed into sparkling water for a refreshing and healthy drink.

If you are not up to making your own elderberry syrup, an excellent product is  Sambucol Black Elderberry Original Formula

Fresh elderberries are commonly made into jellies, pies and wine.

The elder plant has been used throughout history for it’s medicinal value and as such, has many folkloric uses.  In the Middle Ages it was considered a Holy Tree, capable of restoring good health, keeping good health and as an aid to longevity. All parts of the elder are useful. American Elder, Sambucus canadensis, is another common species to be used medicinally.

A hot infusion of dried elder flowers will induce sweating and drive out a fever. A cold infusion of the dried flowers is useful for sore and inflamed eyes as a compress.

Elder flowers and berries are gentler that the other parts and are safe to use in larger doses internally. In addition to the studies listed above, elder flowers and berries act as a blood purifier so they work on the entire body.

The leaves, flowers, bark and twigs can be made into a poultice to relieve soreness, inflammations, swollen glands, bruises and joint stiffness.

A salve or ointment  made from the elder is useful for burns and scalds.

All parts of the plant can be used externally for the complexion; removing spots, soothing irritation, removing freckles and preserving and softening of the skin if used faithfully both internally and externally.

The inner green bark is cathartic, purges the digestive system, so should be taken in small doses.

The leaves are typically used externally because of their strong purgative properties. They can be made into an herbal oil which can be used on the skin or the oil can be used to make a healing salve.

Elder berries are high in iron and thus good for treating anemia.

Additional historical information is available at the online version of A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve. This site also includes recipes for elderberry wine.

The printed version is available here: A Modern Herbal (Volume 1, A-H): The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-Lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs & Trees with Their Modern Scientific Uses. This is a fun 2 -book series if you are interested in herbal history and folklore.

It was interesting to go through the web statistics and determine the most popular posts for 2009. Following are the 5 most popular posts for 2009 with a brief summary. If you haven’t had the chance, please click the link and read the entire article.  Thank you for reading and visiting A Journey into Herbal & Natural Healing. There will be more consistent postings and well as the release of the herbal eBook – A Journey into Herbal & Natural Healing.

• Detoxification with the 3-Day Detox Diet
  “There are many detox diets out there. One must realize that not all detox diet programs are suitable for everyone. A 3-day detox diet just might be wise to start with to test the diet program and it is also a milder way of detoxifying your body.”
• The Healing Properties of Our Local Weeds – Dandelion
  “Dandelion is a very safe, valuable and useful plant with many medicinal uses. It is considered a tonic (tones the body), reduces water weight gain, a mild laxative, helps to eliminate toxins from the blood, promotes healthy digestion and will soothe an irritated stomach, acts as an anti-rheumatic, helps support the liver and kidneys, keeps the bowels in a healthy condition, stabilizes blood sugar, reduces blood pressure, has shown anti-tumor properties and clears the skin of impurities.”
• Apple Cider Vinegar to the Rescue!
  “It assists in creating a proper functioning metabolism, aids in weight loss, boosts the immune system, reduces joint stiffness, reduces muscle pain from exercise, reduces cholesterol, regulates water within the body and reduces water retention, reduces excess sodium, reduces excess mucus, helps to regulate blood pressure, assists in blood circulation, cleanses the blood, inhibits unfriendly bacteria, increases concentration and memory, regulates body temperature, and increases vitality and energy. Natural apple cider vinegar aids the liver in detoxifying the body and helps to digest rich, fatty, greasy foods (which you shouldn’t be eating anyway!), and promotes the proper metabolizing of proteins, fats and minerals.”
• Herbal Associations
  A compilation of herbal associations and organizations, many of them with extensive online articles and newsletters.
• Breathe Freely
  Advantages of using a Neti Pot include: Soothes dry nasal passages, gently washes away dust, pollen, and environmental irritants, offsets the effects of breathing dry indoor air (especially in winter), removes excess mucus… naturally,helps you breathe freer when practicing yoga or meditation

Rooibos tea has a sweet, mild, nutty flavor. Rooibos has increased in popularity not only because of its wonderful color and taste; but because of all the great health benefits it provides.

Rooibos has no caffeine and is low in tannin, so it can be enjoyed without any unpleasant side effects.

Many studies have been conducted on Rooibos and the following are some of the health benefits that have been discovered:

• Eases irritability, headaches, nervous tension and insomnia.
• Acts as an anti-spasmodic agent, to relieve stomach cramps and colic in infants
• Can be used to treat hay fever, asthma and eczema
• Placed directly on the skin, it can slow the aging process
• Boosts the immune system

Modern medical institutes and, most notably Japan have taken quick notice of the medical benefits of consuming this beverage and have amassed findings on Rooibos including anti-viral, anti-spasmodic and anti-allergic properties. They have also found that Rooibos is over 50 times more active in anti-oxidant properties then green tea!

Rooibos is also high in many minerals:

• Copper
• Iron
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Fluoride
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Alpha-hydroxy (great for the skin)
• Magnesium

Rooibos tea is available “green” which is unfermented. This tea is considerably higher in anti-oxidants, trace minerals, and nutrients, when compared to the traditional red Rooibos. It brews up a golden color, is not as sweet and has a more herbal flavor.

Some tea suppliers offer a vanilla-flavored Rooibos which is nice. Other herbs can also be mixed with Rooibos such as mint. It also makes a caffeine-free base for chai tea.

Rooibos Chai Tea

2 cups water
2 cardamom pods or about 1/8 teaspoon seeds
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
2 black peppercorns
2 teaspoons loose, Rooibos tea
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 cup milk or soy milk
1 tablespoon peeled and sliced fresh ginger

Crush the spices with a mortar and pestle or other method. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a stainless steel or nonstick saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Add the tea and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in the milk and honey. When back to a simmer, add the ginger. After one minute strain the tea into cups.

A great supplier of organic, fair trade Rooibos tea is Mountain Rose Herbs.

Crystal Healing Associations & Organizations

• Crystal Academy of Advanced Healing Arts
• Association of Melody Crystal Healing Instructors
• The Crystal Conference
• Affiliate of Crystal Healing Organizations
• International Association of Crystal Healing Therapists
• Crystal Healing Federation

Additional Crystal & Crystal Healing Resources

• Crystals and Gemstones
  A great overview of crystals as well as extensive photos and descriptions of crystals as they are used in healing.
• The Magic of Crystals

Recommended Books on Crystal Healing

Explore how herbs and other natural methods can enhance health and well-being. Discover how a healthy, holistic lifestyle works to balance mind, body & spirit.

This new eBook is based on the herbal & natural healing workshops I teach.

Includes herbal “recipes” from Mystic Naturals’ herbal products and covering such herbal & natural healing topics as:

• Herbal History
• Collection, Drying & Storing Herbs
• Herbal Teas, Infusions and Decoctions
• Herbal Teas
• Herbal Tea Blending
• Herbal Tea Recipes
• Infusions (Medicinal Use) Dry Plant
• Decoction (Medicinal Use) Dry Plant
• Natural Ingredients for Body & Skin Care
• Oils & Butters
• Other Ingredients
• Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
• Flower Essences
• Homeopathic Remedies
• Basic Herbal Preparations
  Infused Oils
  Tinctures
  Glycerites and Vinegars
• Stress & Relaxation
  Herbs for Stress & Relaxation
  Stress Reduction Techniques
  Sleep & Insomnia
• Herbs for Sleep & Insomnia
  Essential Oils – Aromatherapy
  Homeopathic Remedies
  Herbal Dream Pillows
• Immune System
  Herbs for the Immune System
• Herbal & Natural Skin Care
  Herbs & Natural Ingredients for Skin Care
  Essential Oils
• Herbal First Aid
  Herbal Salves
• Natural House Cleaning Solutions
• Detoxifying Your Body
• Romance & Aphrodisiacs
• Herbal & Natural Healing for Pets
• Glossary
• Resources

The Neti Pot is actually very easy to use and soothing. I was expecting the fearful feeling of inhaling a wave but it’s not like that at all. I found the trick to be in the proper head angle and the correct temperature of the water. It did take me a couple of days to get the routine down but now it’s as easy as brushing teeth.

“Rinsing with saline solution is a time-honored practice in the Orient. Here in the West, the nasal wash has been used for decades as a means of treating sinus problems, colds, allergies and chronic post-nasal drip and to counteract the effect of environmental pollution. Those practicing yoga and other meditative disciplines use the nasal wash to ensure free air flow through both nostrils.”

Some of the advantages of using a Neti Pot include:

• Soothes dry nasal passages
• Gently washes away dust, pollen, and environmental irritants
• Offsets the effects of breathing dry indoor air (especially in winter)
• Removes excess mucus… naturally
• Helps you breathe freer when practicing yoga or meditation